Agricultural/Food Scientist II

University of Florida•Jackson, MS

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is expected to analyze samples using various methods including enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA), gas chromatography (GC), starch and fiber (NDF/ADF), and other analyses related to feed, forage, ruminal fermentation parameters, and blood metabolites and hormones. The role involves providing results to faculty and making recommendations for modifying the analysis process. Responsibilities include overseeing processes for maintaining accurate records and data, providing technical assistance for research projects, and ensuring safe lab practices and equipment maintenance. The individual will function as a lab safety officer, train team members on equipment usage, and collaborate with Animal Science faculty on research and extension programs focused on beef cattle nutrition, production efficiency, management techniques, and health. This role also oversees all laboratory and field data collection and analyses for beef production research, and provides oversight of the animal laboratory. Training and assisting post-doctoral research associates, graduate and undergraduate students, supervising hourly labor, and collaborating with other scientists and faculty are key aspects. The position involves receiving, scheduling, and processing outside laboratory work efficiently, maintaining detailed records, generating statements, reports, and invoices for analytical services, and managing laboratory supplies inventory. Appropriate disposal of hazardous materials and maintenance of MSDS to meet University of Florida EH&S inspection requirements are also required, serving as the NFREC-Marianna safety officer. Support for the daily function of a sophisticated beef cattle feeding facility, including management of Vytelle Sense (formerly GrowSafe) and C-Lock Inc. Software systems and related equipment, is expected. Functions may vary depending on the experiment and can include data management, feed procurement, and animal handling. Periodic care of cannulated animals and other duties as assigned are also part of the role.

Requirements

Doctoral degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field; or a master’s degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field and one year of relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field and three years of relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

Four-year college degree (B.S.) or MS Animal Sciences or a related field with experience or appropriate training in laboratory procedures (GLP)
6-8 years equivalent training
Cattle handling ability
Willingness to learn and discover
Creativity

Responsibilities

Analyze samples using ELISA, GC, starch and fiber (NDF/ADF), and other analyses related to feed, forage, ruminal fermentation parameters, and blood metabolites and hormones.
Provide results to faculty and make recommendations for modifying the analysis process.
Oversee processes for maintaining current and accurate records and data.
Provide technical assistance for planning, conducting, and publishing research projects.
Maintain safe lab practices and maintain all laboratory equipment.
Function as lab safety officer and ensure that staff are well trained to adhere to safety requirements.
Teach incoming team members how to properly use equipment.
Collaborate with Animal Science faculty on collection of data related to their research and extension programs on improving beef cattle nutrition, production efficiency, management techniques, and health.
Oversee all laboratory and field data collection and analyses of all beef production related research.
Provide oversight of the animal laboratory.
Train and assist post-doctoral research associates, graduate and undergraduate students with data collection and analyses.
Supervise hourly labor and collaborate with other scientists and faculty.
Receive, schedule, and process outside laboratory work timely and efficiently to make maximal use of resources.
Maintain detailed records and generate statements, laboratory reports and invoices for analytical services.
Manage laboratory supplies inventory.
Dispose of hazardous material appropriately and maintain MSDS to meet University of Florida EH&S inspection requirements.
Serve as NFREC-Marianna safety officer.
Support daily function of sophisticated beef cattle feeding facility including management of Vytelle Sense (formerly GrowSafe) and C-Lock Inc. Software system and related equipment.
Perform functions that may range from data management to feed procurement to animal handling, varying depending on the particular experiment.
Provide periodic care of cannulated animals.
Perform other duties as assigned.